Incremental eating tool

ABSTRACT

An incremental eating tool. The incremental eating tool can include a container having at least one sidewall enclosing an interior cavity having an open end, and a tray having a first end and a second end. The tray can be sized to fit in the interior cavity of the container and can be slidably removable therefrom. The tray can include a longitudinal spine and a plurality of flaps, each flap including a pair of side edges, the flaps being attached to and extending laterally outward from the spine.

BACKGROUND

It has become a common practice in modern society to consume food while “on-the-go.” That is, instead of sitting at a table to consume a meal, some individuals find it preferable to consume the meal while en route to a destination, whether on foot, or in a vehicle. Certain food items are well-adapted to being consumed on-the-go. Such food items are typically ones that can easily be held by the individual, for example, hamburgers, hot dogs, candy bars, or snacks provided in small bags. The provision of a bun, a wrapper, or a similar container allows the food item to easily be held during consumption and reduces the need for utensils.

However, food items that lend themselves to being consumed on-the-go are typically not the healthiest foods available. Furthermore, such foods still require the individual to make contact between the hands and the food, thereby coating the hands with food particles, oils, and so forth. Portions of such food items can also be dropped by the individual. Additionally, if the individual decides to save a portion of the food item for later, the food item typically has to be enclosed in wrapping or packaging that may leak and may dirty the surroundings.

Furthermore, foods that contain a loose assortment of small and wet pieces of food, such as salads, are not well-adapted to being consumed on-the-go and without the use of utensils. To consume a salad, an individual would usually sit down at a table and eat the salad with a fork. Consequently, salads and similar food items are not a convenient option for on-the-go consumption.

Accordingly, a solution for easily consuming foods and storing foods while on-the-go is desirable.

SUMMARY

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, an incremental eating tool is disclosed. The incremental eating tool can include a container having at least one sidewall enclosing an interior cavity having an open end, and a tray having a first end and a second end. The tray can be sized to fit in the interior cavity of the container and can be slidably removable therefrom. The tray can include a longitudinal spine and a plurality of flaps, each flap having a pair of side edges, the flaps being attached to and extending laterally outward from the spine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 a is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 1 b is a detail view of an exemplary embodiment of a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 1 c is a perspective cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 1 d is a top plan view of a first exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a second exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 3 a is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 3 b is a top plan view of a third exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 5 b is a top plan view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIGS. 8 a-8 g show cross-sections of exemplary embodiments of an incremental eating tool.

FIGS. 9 a-9 b are perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a container for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 9 c is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a blank for a container for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 9 d is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a blank for a cap for a container for an incremental eating tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of several terms used herein follows.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, an incremental eating tool 100 is disclosed. The incremental eating tool 100 can include a container 102 and a segmented tray 150 disposed in sliding relation within container 102. Food may be placed on segmented tray 150 and the tray may be received within container 102. To consume the food, the user can incrementally withdraw tray 150 with one hand from container 102 while holding container 102 with another hand. This can allow for convenient consumption of food without the need for additional tableware while minimizing contact between the user's hands and the food. Furthermore, the incremental eating tool can be sized to be portable and sealable to allow a user to consume the food in any desired location.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 a-1 d, container 102 may have a generally elongated configuration, and at least one sidewall 104. Container 102 may also have an end wall 106 at a closed end thereof. The interior cavity 108 can be in communication with the outside environment via an open end 110. In some exemplary embodiments, open end 110 may be selectively covered by a cap 112. Cap 112 may be coupled to container 102 in any known manner. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, cap 112 may be removably coupled to the open end 110 of container 102. In other exemplary embodiments, cap 112 may be hingedly coupled to the open end 110 of container 102. In yet other exemplary embodiments, cap 112 may be slidably coupled to the open end 110 of container 102. Furthermore, cap 112 may be secured to container 102 by friction fit, by clips, latches, tabs and grooves, by threading, or in any other manner known in the art. Coupling between cap 112 and container 102 may be liquid-impermeable. In some non-limiting embodiments, liquid-impermeability may be facilitated by compression fit, friction fit, gaskets or similar structures.

In some exemplary embodiments, a sidewall 104 of container 102 may have an aperture 114 defined therein. Aperture 114 may allow additional communication between cavity 108 and the outside environment. Aperture 114 may be selectively covered by a lid 116. Similarly to cap 112, lid 114 may be coupled to container 102 in any known manner. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, lid 114 may be removably, hingedly, slidably or otherwise coupled to container 102. Furthermore, lid 114 may be secured to container 102 by friction fit, compression fit, by clips, latches, tabs and grooves, or in any other manner known in the art. Coupling between lid 114 and container 102 may be liquid-impermeable. Liquid-impermeability may be facilitated by friction fit, gaskets or similar structures.

It should be appreciated that while container 102 has a generally elongated configuration, the cross-section of container 102 may have any desired shape. For example, in some embodiments, container 102 may have a rectangular cross-section with four side walls. In other exemplary embodiments, the cross-section of container 102 may be triangular, hexagonal, or any other polygonal shape, with a corresponding number of sidewalls 104. In yet other exemplary embodiments, container 102 may have a circular or oval cross section, with a corresponding circular or oval sidewall 104. The cross-section of container 102 may be contemplated and provided as desired based on any functional or aesthetic configurations and should not be considered as limited to the embodiments described herein. Exemplary cross-sections for container 102 and for tray 150 as disposed within the container are shown in FIGS. 8 a-8 g.

Container 102 may be formed from any suitable material. In some exemplary embodiments, container 102 may be reusable, and may be made from any suitable polymer. In other exemplary embodiments, container 102 may be disposable, and may be made from any suitable polymer or paper-based product.

Disposed within container 102 and slidably movable with respect thereto may be a tray 150. The length of tray 150 may be substantially similar to the length of container 102, such that the whole of tray 150 can fit within cavity 108.

Tray 150 can include a spine 152 and a plurality of flaps 168 attached to and extending laterally outward from spine 152. A first end 156 of tray 150 can include a pull tab 158, or similar gripping member that can easily be gripped by a user's fingers. A second end 160 can include an end wall 164. The end wall 164 can extend in a vertical or upwardly inclined direction from spine 152. In some exemplary embodiments, end wall 164 may be substantially parallel to end wall 106. Side walls 166 may be coupled to end wall 164 and extend towards first end 156 therefrom, so as to form a cup 162. Side walls 166 may further be attached to spine 152 and extending in an upwardly inclined and outward direction therefrom. In some exemplary embodiments, the cup may be molded; in other exemplary embodiments, portions of a blank for tray 150 may be folded and coupled to each other so as to form cup 162.

Tray 150 may be formed from any suitable material. In some exemplary embodiments, tray 150 may be reusable, and may be made from a material such as silicone or a polymer. In some exemplary embodiments, a blank for tray 150 may be cut from a sheet of the material; in other embodiments, tray 150 may be molded by any suitable process. In other exemplary embodiments, tray 150 may be disposable, and may be made from any suitable polymer or paper-based product. Furthermore, tray 150 may be made of a substantially rigid material or from a flexible material. In embodiments where tray 150 is made from a flexible material, spine 152 may be provided as a continuous strip, or may be transversely subdivided into a plurality of segments 154. In embodiments where tray 150 is made from a rigid material, spine 152 may be transversely subdivided into a plurality of segments 154. Any two segments 154 may be hingedly connected to each other.

In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 b, spine 152 may include a plurality of bumps or protrusions 155 on the upper surface thereof. The bumps or protrusions 155 can aid in gripping the food disposed on tray 150 so as to transport the food along with tray 150 when the tray is moved. In further exemplary embodiments, spine 152 may include at least one indentation 157. The indentation 157 can serve to create a basin for pooling any liquids that are part of the food that is placed in incremental eating tool 100. The indentation 157 can extend along the length of spine 152, or may be a series of separate indentations 158 arranged along the length of spine 152. In embodiments where spine 152 is segmented, an indentation 157 may be defined in each segment 154.

Spine 152 can further include a plurality of flaps 168 attached to and extending laterally outward from spine 152. In embodiments where spine 152 is segmented, least one flap 168 can be attached to a corresponding segment 154. While each flap 168 can be attached to spine 152, each flap 168 can also be separated from any neighboring flaps 168. The side edges 170 of neighboring flaps 168 may be adjacent to each other, may overlap each other, or may have a gap therebetween. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, flaps 168 may include a plurality of bumps or protrusions 155 on the upper surface thereof. The bumps or protrusions 155 can also aid in gripping the food disposed on tray 150 so as to transport the food along with tray 150 when the tray is moved.

Flaps 168 may extend laterally outward from spine 152. Furthermore, flaps 168 may include creases, bends or hinges to facilitate bending and positioning the flaps such that flaps 168 can also extend vertically above the plane of spine 152. Bending and positioning the flaps in such a manner can allow tray 150 to fit within interior cavity 108 of container 102. When tray 150 is disposed within cavity 108 of container 102, spine 152 and flaps 168 can be disposed adjacent to, or in contact with, at least one sidewall 104 of container 102. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 8 a-8 g, when viewed in cross-section, tray 150 may have a concave configuration with a shape similar to a portion of the cross-section of container 102. For example, in some embodiments, spine 152 can be disposed adjacent a bottom sidewall of container 102, while flaps 168 can extend along the bottom sidewall of container 102 and additionally in an upwardly inclined or vertical direction along at least one other sidewall of container 102.

The shape of flaps 168, as well as the shape of segments 154 may have a variety of configurations, as discussed further below. Flaps 168 may include side edges 170 extending perpendicularly or obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of tray 150. The side edges 170 of flaps 168 may include one or more linear portions and/or curvilinear portions. In some embodiments, flaps 168 may further include distal edges 172 oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of tray 150.

In some exemplary embodiments, tray 150 may have indicia printed thereon. The indicia may be printed on a surface visible to the user, for example on the upper surface of tray 150, and/or on the surface of end wall 162 that faces the user. The indicia may be oriented such that they are easily comprehensible by the user when tray 150 is in use. Tray 150 may include one or more of stopping indicia 176 and portion indicia 178. Stopping indicia 176 may be disposed at or proximate second end 160, for example on a portion of spine 152, on one or more segments 154, on end wall 162, and/or on one or more flaps 168. Stopping indicia 176 may indicate to the user that they have reached, or are about to reach, the end of tray 150, and/or that they have consumed, or are about to consume, the entire portion of food that is disposed on tray 150. As a non-limiting example, stopping indicia 176 can include a simulative shape, for example an octagon shape, and/or the words “stop,” “last bite,” “last bite alert,” or the like. Portion indicia 178 may be disposed, at desired intervals, along spine 152, on segments 154, and/or on flaps 168. Portion indicia 178 may indicate to the user that they have consumed, or are about to consume, a certain portion of food that is disposed on tray 150. For example, the portion indicia may be positioned such that each indicated portion corresponds to a serving of the food, a certain amount of calories of the food, a certain amount of grams of the food, a certain fraction of the food, or any other desired portion or nutritional information regarding the food. This can allow the user to easily perform portion control when eating. In embodiments where incremental eating tool is packaged with food prior to sale, the vendor or manufacturer may position the desired portion indicia such that the indicated portion values correspond to the food that is prepackaged with incremental eating tool 100.

It should be appreciated that portions of incremental eating tool 100 may be made from any suitable materials. For example, the incremental eating tool 100 may be made from polymers such as PET, HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, polypropylene, or any other suitable polymer or polymer blend. The incremental eating tool 100 may also be formed from paper-based products such as card stock, folding boxboard, paperboard, cardboard, and the like. Furthermore, the surfaces of paper-based portions of incremental eating tool 100 may include a coating, for example a wax coating, clay coating, polymer coating, or the like, so as to prevent the absorption of liquids and other particles from the food items disposed within tool 100. However, the above-enumerated materials should not be construed as limiting and it should be understood that incremental tool 100 may be formed from any material that enables it to function as described herein.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that portions of incremental eating tool 100 may be substantially rigid or substantially flexible. For example, reusable embodiments of incremental eating tool 100 may be made from rigid materials, for example thermoset plastics and manufactured by any suitable process, for example by extrusion, thermoforming, compression or injection molding. In such rigid embodiments, the shapes of container 102, tray 150, and portions thereof such as segments 154 and flaps 168, may be set during manufacture. Hinges for such embodiments may be provided by any structure that allows for incremental eating tool 100 to function as described herein, for example living hinges, or any other hinge structure. Furthermore, the hinges may be biased such that tray 150 can assume a substantially flat configuration when it is not disposed within container 102. In other exemplary embodiments, disposable embodiments of incremental eating tool 100 may be made from flexible materials, such as certain polymers or paper-based products. In such embodiments, container 102 and tray 150 may be manufactured as blanks having desired configurations which can then be folded into the final shape. Portions such as segments 154 and flaps 168 may be creased, or folded to achieve the desired shape as well as to provide hinged connections. Furthermore, the creases, folds and hinges may be biased such that tray 150 can assume a substantially flat configuration when it is not disposed within container 102. The blanks may further be provided with cuts or perforations for facilitating separating flaps 168 and/or segments 154 from each other. The hinged connections may also be provided as perforations. It should further be understood that the above-described manufacturing methods are exemplary, and any suitable manufacturing method known to one having skilled in the art may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In operation, when a user desires to place food into the incremental eating tool 100 for later consumption, the user can remove tray 150 from container 102, place the desired food items thereon, and replace tray 150 into container 102. The user can then seal open end 110 with cap 112. Alternatively, when tray 150 is disposed within container 102, the user may open lid 116 and place the food onto tray 150 through aperture 114. The user can then close lid 116.

When a user desires to consume the food within container 102, the user can open cap 112 so as to expose open end 110. The user can then utilize pull tab 158 to incrementally withdraw tray 150 from the interior cavity 108 of container 112. To incrementally withdraw the tray, the user can withdraw at least one set of flaps 168 and at least one associated segment 154 from container 102. As tray 150 is withdrawn, the food items can be supported by spine 152 and flaps 168 of the tray. Spine 152 and flaps 168 can further contact and grip the food so as to transport the food substantially intact along the length of container 102, and to subsequently withdraw the from container 102 along with tray 150.

Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, tray 150 may have a depressed configuration when it is disposed within container 102. As used herein, the depressed configuration of tray 150 should be understood to mean that portions of flaps 168 can extend above the plane of spine 152 such that spine 152 is depressed with respect to the distal ends of flaps 168. As tray 150 is withdrawn, the portions of flaps 168 that are oriented in an upwardly inclined or vertical direction can flatten out once they are withdrawn from the container, so as to be disposed in the plane, or slightly above the plane of spine 152, as shown in FIG. 1 c. Consequently, tray 150 can assume a substantially flat configuration, supporting the food thereon while providing the user with ease of access to the food.

Once a desired portion of food is withdrawn from container 102, the user can consume that portion of food. Having consumed the desired portion of food, the user can then bend spine 152 below the plane of tray 150. The bending of spine 152 can be facilitated by the hinged connections between segments 154 of spine 152, and/or by the flexible material from which tray 150 is formed. As the desired segments 154 are bent below the plane of tray 150, the associated flaps 168 are likewise positioned below the plane of tray 150. This allows the portions of tray 150 that are no longer being used to support the food items to be moved out of the way so as to allow the user to conveniently access the subsequent portion of food on tray 150. To access the subsequent portion of food, the user can simply further withdraw another increment or segment of tray 150 from container 102. If the user does not desire to consume any more food, they can insert tray 150 into container 102 and replace cap 112 so as to seal the container. Thus, incremental eating tool 100 can provide a convenient container for transporting food as well as consuming the food without the use of any additional tableware can further allow the user to maintain their hands substantially clean.

As discussed above, tray 150 may have various configurations as to the shapes of flaps 168 and other portions of the tray. Several configurations for the tray are described below; however, the scope of the invention should not be construed as limited to solely the enumerated embodiments. Exemplary embodiments of blanks that may be used for manufacture of tray 150 from substantially flexible materials are shown in FIG. 1 d, as well as FIGS. 2-5. Various configurations for the shapes of portions of the tray can be easily seen in these figures. Substantially similar features between the various embodiments are indicated with similar reference numerals, but with different leading digits. Additionally, in these figures, dashed lines are used to indicate locations where creases, bends or hinges 174 can be located. The creases, bends or hinges 174 may be utilized to impart a three-dimensional form to the particular blank for use with a container 102. Furthermore, the creases, bends or hinges 174 may be biased such that tray 150 can assume a substantially flat configuration when it is not disposed within container 102. While the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 a-7 are shown for use with a container 102 having a substantially rectangular cross-section, it should be understood that they can be used with a container having any desired cross section simply by varying the location of the creases or bends to corresponds with the vertices of the cross-section of the particular container. Finally, it should also be appreciated that embodiments of tray 150 that are manufactured from a rigid material may have substantially similar configurations to the depicted exemplary embodiments of the blanks.

A first exemplary embodiment of tray 150 is shown in FIG. 1 d. In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of flaps 168 can extend laterally outward from both sides of spine 152. The side edges 170 of flaps 168 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of spine 152. Each side edge 170 may have a single linear portion. Spine 152 may further be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 154. Hinged connections 174 may be provided between segments 154, between segments 154 and flaps 168, as well as between portions of flaps 168. A pull tab 158 may be hingedly attached to spine 152 at first end 156. An end wall 164 may be hingedly attached to spine 152 at second end 160. End wall 164 may be provided with tabs 165 for connecting to an adjacent flap 168 so as to facilitate forming a cup 162 when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional shape.

A second exemplary embodiment of tray 250 is shown in FIG. 2. In this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of flaps 268 can extend laterally outward from one side of spine 252. The side edges 270 of flaps 268 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of spine 252 and adjacent to each other. Each side edge 270 may have a single linear portion. Spine 252 may further be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 254. Hinged connections 274 may be provided between segments 254, and between segments 254 and flaps 268. A pull tab 258 may be hingedly attached to spine 252 at first end 256. An end wall 264 may be hingedly attached to spine 252 at second end 260. End wall 264 may be provided with a tab 265 for connecting to an adjacent flap 268 so as to facilitate forming a cup 262 when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional shape.

A third exemplary embodiment of container 302 and tray 350 is shown in FIGS. 3 a-3 b. In the exemplary embodiment, container 300 may be provided in a clamshell configuration, having an upper sidewall 304 a and a lower sidewall 304 b. The upper sidewall 304 a may be hingedly coupled to lower sidewall 304 b, and may act as a lid 316. Furthermore, each of sidewalls 304 may include a flange 305. The flanges 305 may extend outwardly from the longitudinal edges of sidewalls 304 that are opposite the hinged coupling between the sidewalls, and may also extend from the end walls (not shown) of sidewalls 304. Flanges 305 may further include fasteners 317, such as snaps, clasps, or the like, to facilitate maintaining container 302 in a closed configuration. The upper sidewall 304 a and lower sidewall 304 b may further include scalloped edges 311 at first end 310 of the container. The scalloped edges 311 can extend concavely into sidewalls 304 a, 304 b, such that the greatest extent of the scalloped edges is disposed substantially at the top and bottom areas of container 302, thereby providing a “bite line” opening for the mouth of the user.

In the exemplary embodiment of tray 350, a plurality of flaps 368 can extend laterally outward from both sides of spine 352. Each side edge 370 may have a single curvilinear portion arcing toward the first end 356 of tray 350. Spine 152 may further be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 354. Hinged connections 374 may be provided between segments 354, between segments 354 and flaps 368, as well as between portions of flaps 368. A pull tab 358 may be hingedly attached to spine 352 at first end 356. An end wall 364 may be hingedly attached to spine 352 at second end 360. In some embodiments, when adjacent flap 366 is pressed to assume the shape of lower sidewall 304 b, the end wall 364 can be bent vertically upwards, so as to assume an arcuate form and create a compression fit when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional shape. In other exemplary embodiments, cup 362 may be formed by molding, thermoforming, or similar processes. When tray 150 is disposed in container 302, the spine 354 and flaps 368 of tray 350 may be disposed substantially adjacent to the lower sidewall 304 b of container 302. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, when tray 150 is disposed in container 302, the spine 354, flaps 368 and end wall 364 can form a tight fit, for example a compression fit, with the sidewalls 304 a, 304 b of container 302.

A fourth exemplary embodiment of tray 450 is shown in FIG. 4. In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of flaps 468 can extend laterally outward from both sides of spine 452. The side edges 470 of flaps 468 may be oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis of spine 152. Each side edge 470 may have a single linear portion. Spine 452 may further be segmented into substantially hexagonal segments 454. Hinged connections 474 may be provided between segments 454, and between segments 454 and flaps 468. A pull tab 458 may be hingedly attached to spine 452 at first end 456. An end wall 464 may be hingedly attached to spine 452. End wall 464 may be provided with tabs 465 for connecting to an adjacent sidewall flap 466 so as to facilitate forming a cup 462 when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional shape.

A fifth exemplary embodiment of tray 550 is shown in FIGS. 5 a-5 b. In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of flaps 568 can extend laterally outward from both sides of spine 552. Each side edge 570 may include a curvilinear portion disposed proximately to spine 552 and arcing toward the first end 556 of tray 550, as well as a linear portion disposed distally to spine 552 and oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of spine 552. Spine 552 may further be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 554. Hinged connections 574 may be provided between segments 554, between segments 554 and flaps 568, as well as between portions of flaps 568. An end wall 564 may be hingedly attached to spine 552. End wall 564 may be provided with tabs 565 for connecting to an adjacent sidewall flap 566 so as to facilitate forming a cup 562 when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional shape. A pull tab 558 may be hingedly attached to spine 552 at first end 556 and may have a shape substantially similar to end wall 564. Pull tab 558 may be positioned so as to provide an end wall at first end 556. An aperture 559 may be defined in tab 558 so as to allow the user to move tab 558 or to pull tray 550.

A sixth exemplary embodiment of tray 650 is shown in FIG. 6. In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of flaps 668 can extend laterally outward from both sides of spine 652. The leading side edges 670 a of flaps 668 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of spine 652, while the trailing side edges 670 b of flaps 668 may be oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis of spine 652. Each side edge 670 a, 670 b may have a single linear portion. Edges 170 a, 170 b may meet at the distal end 671 of the corresponding flap 668. Spine 652 may further be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 654. Hinged connections 674 may be provided between segments 654 and between segments 654 and flaps 668. A pull tab 658 may be hingedly attached to spine 652 at first end 656. An end wall 664 may be hingedly attached to spine 652 at second end 660. End wall 664 may be provided with tabs 665 for connecting to an adjacent flap 668 so as to facilitate forming a cup 662 when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional shape.

A seventh exemplary embodiment of tray 750 is shown in FIG. 7. In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of flaps 768 can extend laterally outward from both sides of spine 752. The side edges 770 of flaps 768 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of spine 752. Each side edge 770 may have a single linear portion. Spine 752 may further be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 754. Additionally, each segment 754 may include a tab 753 defined therein. Hinged connections 774 may be provided between segments 754, between segments 754 and flaps 768, between tabs 753 and segments 754, as well as between portions of flaps 168. The hinged connections 774 may be provided as perforations, allowing the user to detach adjacent segments 754 from each other, and/or to detach tabs 753 from adjacent segments 754. A pull tab 158 may be hingedly attached to spine 152 at first end 156. Additionally, if the user detaches a segment 754 from an adjacent segment 754, the user can leave tab 753 attached to the remaining segment, thereby creating a new pull tab. An end wall 764 may be hingedly attached to spine 752 at second end 760. When adjacent flap 765 is depressed so as to assume the shape of container 902 and lower sidewall 904 b, end wall 764 can be bent upwards so as to assume an arcuate shape and create a compression fit.

FIGS. 8 a-8 g show cross-sections of exemplary embodiments of incremental eating tool 100. An exemplary rectangular cross-section is shown in FIG. 8 a, an exemplary triangular cross-section is shown in FIG. 8 b, An exemplary hexagonal cross-section is shown in FIG. 8 c, and an exemplary oval cross-section is shown in FIG. 8 d. In FIG. 8 e, an exemplary clamshell cross-section is shown. In FIG. 8 f, an exemplary rectangular cross-section for container 102 and a semicircular cross-section for tray 150 is shown, and in FIG. 8 g, an exemplary rounded octagonal configuration is shown. These cross-sections should not be understood as limiting, as the cross-section of incremental eating tool 100 may be contemplated and provided as desired based on any functional or aesthetic configurations. Furthermore, it should be understood that any embodiment of tray 150 may be used with any embodiment of container 102. Any tray 150 can be configured for a particular container 102 simply by adjusting the shape of end wall 164 so as to conform to the cross-section of the particular container 102. In some exemplary embodiments, any tray 150 may also be configured for a particular container 102 by adjusting the positioning of hinged connections 174 of flaps 168 so as to conform to the cross-section of the particular container 102.

FIGS. 9 a-9 c show another exemplary embodiment of a container 902. Container 902 may have a generally elongated configuration, an upper sidewall 904 a and a lower sidewall 904 b enclosing an interior cavity 908. Each sidewall 904 may be longitudinally subdivided into three sections 907 a, 907 b, 907 c, thereby imparting a substantially hexagonal cross-section to container 902. In some exemplary embodiments, the oblique sections 907 a, 907 c of each sidewall may have an arcuate shape.

Container 902 may include a first end 910 and a second end 920. Each end 910, 920 may have a scalloped shape. Each end 910, 920 may be selectively closeable by a pair of end walls 922. The end walls 922 disposed at first end 910 may further include a tab 924 for ease of bending the end walls 922 so as to open first end 910. Interior cavity 908 may be in communication with the exterior environment when ends 910, 920 are open. When closed, end walls 922 may have an indented configuration so as to conform to the scalloped shape of the corresponding end 910 or 920. In some exemplary embodiments, when ends 910, 920 are closed, end walls 922 and sidewalls 904 may form a liquid-impermeable coupling. Furthermore, end walls 922 may be torn off, creating an open end at first end 910. In some non-limiting embodiments, liquid-impermeability may be facilitated by compression fit, friction fit, gaskets or similar structures.

The upper sidewall 904 a of container 902 may have an aperture 914 defined therein. Aperture 914 may allow additional communication between cavity 908 and the outside environment. Aperture 914 may be selectively covered by a lid 916. Lid 916 may be subdivided into a plurality of sections 917 a, 917 b, 917 c, 917 d, 917 e, so as to allow lid 916 to conform to the shape of container 902. Sections 917 a-917 d of lid 916 may be substantially coextensive with upper sidewall 904 a of container 902. Section 917 e may overlap a portion of section 907 a of lower sidewall 904 b, and may couple thereto by any known manner.

FIG. 9 c shows an exemplary blank that may be used to form container 902. The blank may include a first portion 932, hingedly coupled to a second portion 934, which is in turn hingedly coupled to third portion 936. Hinged coupling may be provided by hinge lines 938 extending longitudinally between portions 932 and 934 and portions 934 and 936.

First portion 932 may be used to form the upper sidewall 904 a and a pair of end walls 922 of container 902. Similarly, second portion 934 may be used to form the lower sidewall 904 b and another pair of end walls 922 of container 902. Third portion 936 may be used to form the lid 916 of container 902. To facilitate forming the end walls, the longitudinal ends of portions 932, 934 may have an outwardly arcuate edge. Hinge lines 940, provided in portions 932, 934 may have an inwardly arcuate shape substantially minoring that of the edge of the proximate longitudinal end, and may serve to provide a hinged coupling between the sidewalls 904 and the end walls 922 of container 902. The hinged coupling can allow end walls 922 to be moved between an open position, as shown in FIG. 9 a, and a closed position, as shown in FIG. 9 b. The longitudinal ends of third portion 936 may have an inwardly arcuate shape so as to allow portions of lid 916 to be coextensive with the upper sidewall 904 a of container 902.

Hinge lines 942 extending longitudinally along portions 932, 934 can partition each sidewall 904 into sections 907 a, 907 b, 907 c. Additionally, hinge lines 942 can partition end walls 922 into three sections 923 a, 923 b, 923 c so as to allow end walls 922 to bend inwardly to conform to the scalloped shape of ends 910, 920.

Hinge lines 944 a-944 d extending longitudinally along portion 936 can partition lid 916 into a plurality of sections 917 a, 917 b, 917 c, 917 d, 917 e. When container 902 is formed using the blank, section 917 a may be coupled, for example adhesively, to a portion of section 907 a of upper sidewall 904 a. Sections 917 b-917 e can then pivot about hinge line 944 a, creating a hinge for lid 916. The hinge lines 944 a-944 d can allow the lid to conform to the shape of upper sidewall 904 a. Hinge line 944 d can separate sections 917 d and 917 e. Section 917 e can overlap a portion of section 907 a of lower sidewall 904 b and may be coupled thereto by any known manner so as to facilitate closing lid 916.

Cut lines 946 can define aperture 914 in upper sidewall 904 a. A hinge line 947, in combination with cut lines 946, can create a second lid 948 covering aperture 914. Second lid 948 can be coupled to lid 916 so as to reinforce lid 916 and so as to create an additional barrier between aperture 914 and the outside environment. However, in some exemplary embodiments, an additional cut line 946 may be used in lieu of hinge line 947, thereby removing the second lid 948. At first end 910, hinge lines 940 maybe perforated so as to allow side walls 922 to be torn off, thereby creating an open end at first end 910.

When end walls 922 are in a closed position, they may be oriented substantially orthogonally to sidewalls 904. This can impart a three-dimensional shape to container 902. However, when end walls 922 are in the open position, the end walls 922 may be oriented substantially in the planes of corresponding sidewalls 904. This can allow container 902 to assume a flat configuration by pressing sidewalls 904 a, 904 b towards each other. The flat configuration can facilitate convenient storage and transport of container 902.

In some exemplary embodiments, container 902 may include a cap 912, shown in FIG. 9 a. Cap 912 may be configured to fit over an end 910 or 920 of container 902, for example by friction or compression fit. In some exemplary embodiments, coupling between cap 912 and container 902 may be liquid-impermeable.

Cap 912 may have a configuration substantially similar to first end 910 of container 902. Cap 912 may include a first end 913. First end 913 have a scalloped shape. First end 913 may be selectively closeable by a pair of end walls 988. The end walls 988 may further include a tab 989 for ease of bending the end walls 988 so as to open first end 913. The opposite end of cap 912 may have a substantially straight edge and may be open so as to receive an end of container 902 therein. When sidewalls 988 are in an open configuration, the cap may slide along the length of container 902, thereby securing lid 916 and further sealing aperture 914 of container 902.

An exemplary blank for cap 912 is shown in FIG. 9 d. The blank may include a first portion 980, hingedly coupled to a second portion 982. Hinged coupling between portions 980, 982 may be provided by a hinge line 984 extending longitudinally between portions 980 and 982.

First portion 980 may be used to form an upper sidewall 986 a of cap 912 and an end wall 988. Similarly, second portion 982 may be used to form a lower sidewall 986 b of cap 912, and an end wall 988. A tab 983 extending from second portion 982 may be adhered to a portion of first portion 980 so as to form a substantially tubular structure for cap 912. To facilitate forming the end walls, a first longitudinal end of each portion 980, 982 may have an outwardly arcuate edge. Hinge lines 990, provided in portions 980, 982 may have an inwardly arcuate shape substantially minoring that of the edge of the first longitudinal end, and may serve to provide a hinged coupling between the sidewalls 986 and the end walls 988 of cap 912. The hinged coupling can allow end walls 988 to be moved between an open position, and a closed position.

Hinge lines 992 extending longitudinally along portions 980, 982 can partition each sidewall 986 into sections 994 a, 994 b, 994 c. Additionally, hinge lines 992 can partition end walls 988 into three sections 996 a, 996 b, 996 c so as to allow end walls 988 to bend inwardly to conform to the scalloped shape of the first end of cap 912.

In some exemplary embodiments, container 902 may be provided with perforations at hinge lines 940. The perforations can allow the user to tear off portions of end walls 922 when they are no longer needed, for example when the container is ready to be used. The user can then utilize cap 912 to seal the end of container 902 that has been exposed due to the tearing off of end walls 922.

It should further be appreciated that container 902 may be used with any exemplary embodiments of the trays disclosed herein.

The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An incremental eating tool, comprising: a container comprising at least one sidewall enclosing an interior cavity having an open end; and a tray having a first end and a second end, the tray being sized to fit in the interior cavity of the container and being slidably removable therefrom, the tray including a longitudinal spine and a plurality of flaps, each flap comprising a pair of side edges, the flaps being attached to and extending laterally outward from the spine.
 2. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, further comprising a pull tab attached to the first end of the tray.
 3. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, further comprising an end wall attached to the first end of the tray.
 4. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, further comprising an end wall attached to the second end of the tray.
 5. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, wherein the spine is subdivided into a plurality of segments, each segment being hingedly attached to an adjacent segment.
 6. The incremental eating tool of claim 5, wherein each segment is detachable from the adjacent segment.
 7. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, wherein the side edges of the flaps include at least one linear portion.
 8. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, wherein the side edges of the flaps include at least one curvilinear portion.
 9. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, further comprising at least one indentation defined in the spine.
 10. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of bumps defined in one or more of the surface of the spine and the surface of the flaps.
 11. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, further comprising stopping indicia disposed proximate the second end of the tray.
 12. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, further comprising portion indicia disposed at intervals along the length of the tray.
 13. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, wherein the tray is configured such that a portion of the tray that is disposed within the interior cavity of the container assumes a depressed configuration, and a portion of the tray that is external to the container assumes a flat configuration.
 14. A tray blank, comprising: a sheet of material having a first end a second end; a longitudinal spine; and a plurality of flaps, each flap comprising a pair of side edges, each flap being attached to and extending laterally outward from the spine.
 15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the spine is subdivided into a plurality of segments, each segment being hingedly attached to an adjacent segment.
 16. The blank of claim 14, wherein each flap is hingedly attached to the spine.
 17. The blank of claim 14, further comprising a pull tab attached to the first end of the blank.
 18. The blank of claim 14, further comprising an end wall attached to the first end of the blank.
 19. The blank of claim 14, further comprising an end wall attached to the second end of the blank.
 20. The blank of claim 14, wherein the side edges of the flaps include at least one linear portion.
 21. The blank of claim 14, wherein the side edges of the flaps include at least one curvilinear portion.
 22. A method of incremental eating, comprising: providing a container comprising at least one sidewall enclosing an interior cavity having an open end; providing a tray sized to fit in the interior cavity of the container, the tray including a longitudinal spine and a plurality of flaps attached to and extending laterally outward from the spine; supporting food items on the tray; incrementally withdrawing the tray from the interior cavity so as to expose a portion of the food items.
 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising consuming the exposed portion of the food items.
 24. The method of claim 22, further comprising bending a portion of the spine below the plane of the tray, the portion of the spine being a portion on which food items are not supported.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein the tray is configured such that a portion of the tray that is disposed within the interior cavity of the container assumes a concave configuration, and a portion of the tray that is external to the container assumes a flat configuration.
 26. A container blank, comprising: a sheet of material, the sheet being longitudinally subdivided into a first sidewall portion, a second sidewall portion disposed adjacent and hingedly coupled to the first sidewall portion, and a lid portion disposed adjacent and hingedly coupled to the second sidewall portion, each of the first sidewall portion the second sidewall portion having a pair of opposed longitudinal ends; a plurality of end wall portions, each end wall portion hingedly coupled to each longitudinal end of each sidewall portion; and an aperture cutout defined in the first sidewall portion.
 27. The container blank of claim 26, wherein each end wall portion has an edge extending laterally from a first longitudinal edge of a corresponding sidewall portion to a second longitudinal edge of the corresponding sidewall portion, and longitudinally outward from the sidewall portion.
 28. The container blank of claim 27, wherein the hinged coupling between the end wall portion and the sidewall portion is defined by a hinge line having a shape substantially minoring the shape of the edge of the end wall portion.
 29. The container blank of claim 27, wherein the edge of the end wall portion has a substantially arcuate shape.
 30. The container blank of claim 26, further comprising a pull tab hingedly coupled to at least one end wall portion. 